A firm hand slaps my back. I jolt.
“Whoa, you good Holt?” asks Whitley— the only decent guy from the football team. We’ve spent a good amount of time together, both during and after season, helping each other submitapplications for scholarships across the state. He’s gotten a couple of responses from scouts; I haven’t heard back from any. Honestly, college hasn’t been at the forefront of my mind. Itshouldbe, but a very frustrating existential crisis has stolen its place.
I need to get my shit straight.
Literally.
“Yeah, just zoned out,” I sigh.
Whitley leans against the lockers, blocking my escape. “Daydreaming of Andrea again?”
I roll my eyes. He caught me texting her in study hall months ago and refuses to let up.
Chuckling at my silence, he shakes his head. “I don’t get why you haven't asked her out already. She’s into you.”
There’s no denying the feeling is mutual on more than a physical level. She plays it cool with flirty texts and sarcastic jokes, but she’s got this sensitive, selfless side to her that really draws me in. I see it the way she puts everyone else first, especially her friend, Remy. The way she dismisses and minimizes anyone’s concerns for her, redirecting the attention to others. How she remembers every detail from birthdays and highly anticipated test results to family struggles or bullying at school. She gives and gives and gives of herself without ever asking the same in return.
It’s why I’ve held back. She’stoo goodfor me. She deserves someone whose head isn’t a fucking disaster. Someone who’ll put her above everyone else. Who only has eyes for her.
Or that’s what I’ve been telling myself. But maybe denying myself the opportunity to be with her is only making mysituationworse. Maybe by giving in to one desire, I’ll be freed from the other.
“I was waiting to ask her out for Valentine’s Day.”
Whitley recoils in surprise, a giant smile exploding across his face. “I knew you were a romantic. What the fuck are you waiting for? Get your girl!”
My girl.
Damn, I like the sound of that.
Grinning to myself, I trot down the steps and scan the parking lot. She usually hangs out with Remy until track practice starts. Sure enough, I spot her sitting on the tailgate beside him, legs swinging as she talks his ear off. At first, I thought she was crushing on him, but from the bits and pieces she’s shared, they’ve only ever seen each other as friends.
Does she only seemeas a friend?
I stop short.
The thought hadn’t even occurred to me, but it’s hard to dismiss. Her best friend is a guy. She hangs out with Cade a lot, too. And yeah, she texts me all the time, but who is to say she’s not texting them the same way?
I’m about to abort the entire mission when Andrea hops off the tailgate and waves at me.
I freeze, brain scrambling. This is impulsive. I should’ve thought this through. I could just ask her out over text later, so I don’t have an audience.
“Hey, Stranger,” Andrea calls. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.”
I shove my hands in my hoodie pocket, cheeks burning as I approach. “Yeah… sorry, been kinda in my head about college stuff lately.”
It’s not a total lie— Ihavebeen in my head, just not about that.
Her smirk shifts into a sympathetic smile. “You’ll get in anywhere.”
From his spot on the tailgate, Remy eyes me warily. We’ve never been properly introduced. Andrea glances at him while gesturing at me. “Remy, this is Seba.”
No other explanation. Not,this is my neighbor.Or,this is Cade’s stepbrother.Or even,this is my friend.
Just,Seba.
I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.
They exchange a loaded look.Eventually, Remy gives me an up-nod. I give him one back.
